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Testimonies for the Church Vol 1 - Lansing SDA Church

Testimonies for the Church Vol 1 - Lansing SDA Church

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604 <strong>Testimonies</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Church</strong> <strong>Vol</strong>ume 1[657][658]choosing ra<strong>the</strong>r to suffer affliction with <strong>the</strong> people of God than to enjoy<strong>the</strong> pleasures of sin <strong>for</strong> a season, esteeming <strong>the</strong> reproach of Christgreater riches than <strong>the</strong> treasures of Egypt; <strong>for</strong> he had respect unto <strong>the</strong>recompense of reward. He showed that this is one of many instanceswhere <strong>the</strong> reproach of Christ was esteemed above worldly riches andhonor, high-sounding titles, a prospective crown, and <strong>the</strong> glory of akingdom. The eye of faith was fixed upon <strong>the</strong> glorious future, and <strong>the</strong>recompense of <strong>the</strong> reward was regarded of such value as to cause <strong>the</strong>richest things which earth can offer to appear valueless. The childrenof God endured mockings, scourgings, bonds, and imprisonments; <strong>the</strong>ywere stoned, sawn asunder, tempted, wandering about in sheepskinsand goatskins, destitute, afflicted, tormented, and, sustained by hopeand faith, <strong>the</strong>y could call <strong>the</strong>se light afflictions; <strong>the</strong> future, <strong>the</strong> eternallife, appeared of so great value that <strong>the</strong>y accounted <strong>the</strong>ir sufferingssmall in comparison with <strong>the</strong> recompense of <strong>the</strong> reward.“Bro<strong>the</strong>r Andrews related an instance of a faithful Christian aboutto suffer martyrdom <strong>for</strong> his faith. A bro<strong>the</strong>r Christian had been conversingwith him in regard to <strong>the</strong> power of <strong>the</strong> Christian hope—ifit would be strong enough to sustain him while his flesh should beconsuming with fire. He asked this Christian, about to suffer, to givehim a signal if <strong>the</strong> Christian faith and hope were stronger than <strong>the</strong>raging, consuming fire. He expected his turn to come next, and thiswould <strong>for</strong>tify him <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> fire. The <strong>for</strong>mer promised that <strong>the</strong> signalshould be given. He was brought to <strong>the</strong> stake amid <strong>the</strong> taunts andjeers of <strong>the</strong> idle and curious crowd assembled to witness <strong>the</strong> burningof this Christian. The fagots were brought and <strong>the</strong> fire kindled, and<strong>the</strong> bro<strong>the</strong>r Christian fixed his eyes upon <strong>the</strong> suffering, dying martyr,feeling that much depended upon <strong>the</strong> signal. The fire burned, andburned. The flesh was blackened; but <strong>the</strong> signal came not. His eye wasnot taken <strong>for</strong> a moment from <strong>the</strong> painful sight. The arms were alreadycrisped. There was no appearance of life. All thought that <strong>the</strong> fire haddone its work, and that no life remained; when, lo! amid <strong>the</strong> flames,up went both arms toward heaven. The bro<strong>the</strong>r Christian, whose heartwas becoming faint, caught sight of <strong>the</strong> joyful signal; it sent a thrillthrough his whole being, and renewed his faith, his hope, his courage.He wept tears of joy.“As Bro<strong>the</strong>r Andrews spoke of <strong>the</strong> blackened, burned arms raisedaloft amid <strong>the</strong> flames, he, too, wept like a child. Nearly <strong>the</strong> whole con-

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